The UK's most complete GLP-1 guide
Every Question Answered. Every Side Effect Explained.
- How GLP-1 medications work
- Mounjaro vs Wegovy compared
- Injection instructions
- Side effects & solutions
- What to eat on treatment
- FAQs answered
Free tracker included with every download this week
Can I Get Weight Loss Injections On The NHS?
Yes, weight loss injections including semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro) are available on the NHS in the UK, but access is through specialist weight management services rather than your GP. To qualify, you typically need a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above if you have weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure. Access varies significantly by region, and waiting times can be lengthy. This guide explains NHS eligibility, how to access treatment, and what to expect from the weight management pathway.
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Calculate Your BMI Instantly
Enter your height and weight below. Supports both imperial (stone & lbs) and metric (kg). Results include NHS category, healthy weight range, and ethnicity adjustments.
What Is BMI and Why Does It Matter?
Body Mass Index (BMI) is the most widely used screening tool for assessing whether your weight falls within a healthy range. Used by the NHS, GPs, and weight management services across the UK, BMI provides a quick snapshot of your weight relative to your height. The formula is simple: your weight in kilograms divided by your height in metres squared (kg/m²).
While BMI isn't a perfect measure — it doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, or fat distribution — it remains the standard first step in identifying potential weight-related health risks including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and certain cancers.
The NHS also recommends adjusted thresholds for people of South Asian, Chinese, or Black African heritage — a BMI of 23 or above is classified as overweight, and 27.5 as obese. Our calculator includes this adjustment as a one-click toggle.
NHS Weight Management Pathway And Eligibility
The NHS uses a four-tier weight management pathway to support weight loss. Tier 1 covers self-help and digital tools; Tier 2 involves primary care interventions and community programmes; Tier 3 is specialist multidisciplinary weight management services where prescription medications like Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) are typically prescribed; and Tier 4 covers bariatric surgery for severe obesity.
To access prescription weight loss injections on the NHS, you usually need: a BMI of 30 or above, or a BMI of 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions (type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea, or cardiovascular disease). Adults of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage may qualify at lower BMI thresholds due to higher health risks.
Your GP can refer you to a local Tier 3 specialist weight management service, where a multidisciplinary team will assess your suitability. However, waiting lists vary greatly by region — some areas have waits of several months or longer.
Clinically BackedWeight Loss
No appointments. No waiting rooms. Just care — from a UK-regulated online pharmacy.
How It Works
Three simple steps to understand your weight and take action.
Enter your height and weight in our free calculator. Get your BMI, NHS category, healthy weight range, and ethnicity-adjusted thresholds instantly.
If your BMI suggests you're overweight or obese, explore our GLP-1 calculators to project potential weight loss on Mounjaro or Wegovy.
Use our progress tracker to log your weight weekly, visualise your journey with charts, and stay motivated — all stored privately in your browser.
Free Weight Loss Tools & Guides
Everything you need to understand your weight, explore medication options, and track your progress — completely free.
NHS vs Private Access: What's The Difference?
NHS access: Free at point of use, but requires GP referral to a specialist tier 3 service and can involve significant waiting times. Availability and waiting lists vary widely depending on your local Integrated Care Board (ICB). Once prescribed, medication is dispensed by the NHS.
Private access: Available through GPhC-registered online prescribing services without needing an NHS referral. You complete an online clinical assessment with a UK-licensed prescriber, and if approved, receive a prescription dispensed by a private pharmacy. This route is faster but involves a cost, typically ranging from £129 to £320 per month depending on the dose. Both routes require a clinical assessment — a prescriber will evaluate your BMI, weight-related health conditions, and suitability before issuing a prescription. Use our free BMI calculator above to check your current BMI, or our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to estimate potential weight loss at different doses.
- Dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist
- Up to 22.5% body weight loss (SURMOUNT-1)
- Weekly injection, dose escalation over 20+ weeks
- Available via private prescription in the UK
- Doses: 2.5mg → 5mg → 7.5mg → 10mg → 12.5mg → 15mg
- GLP-1 receptor agonist
- Up to 15–17% body weight loss (STEP trials)
- Weekly injection, 5-step dose escalation
- NHS & private prescription available
- Doses: 0.25mg → 0.5mg → 1mg → 1.7mg → 2.4mg
Mounjaro vs Wegovy: Head-to-Head
A side-by-side comparison of the two most popular GLP-1 weight loss medications available in the UK.
| Feature | Mounjaro | Wegovy |
|---|---|---|
| Drug class | Dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist | GLP-1 agonist |
| Active ingredient | Tirzepatide | Semaglutide |
| Avg. weight loss | 15–22.5% | 12–17% |
| Key trial | SURMOUNT-1 (2022) | STEP 1 (2021) |
| Max dose | 15 mg weekly | 2.4 mg weekly |
| Escalation period | 20–32 weeks | 16–20 weeks |
| Administration | Weekly injection (pen) | Weekly injection (pen) |
| NHS availability | Private prescription only | NHS & private |
| Approx. private cost | £150–£250/month | £150–£300/month |
| Common side effects | Nausea, diarrhoea, constipation | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea |
Data sourced from SURMOUNT-1 and STEP 1 clinical trials. Costs are approximate and vary by provider. Always consult a prescriber.
Am I Eligible for Weight Loss Medication?
In the UK, eligibility for GLP-1 weight loss medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy is based on your BMI and overall health profile.
- BMI of 30 or above (obese)
- Age 18 or over
- No contraindicated conditions
- Committed to lifestyle changes
- BMI of 27 or above
- Plus type 2 diabetes
- Or high blood pressure
- Or obstructive sleep apnoea
Use our BMI calculator to check whether your BMI falls within the eligible range.
How We Built These Tools
Every calculator and guide on myweightcheck is built with accuracy and transparency in mind. Our BMI calculator uses the standard WHO formula with NHS-aligned category thresholds. Our GLP-1 projections are modelled on published clinical trial data from SURMOUNT and STEP studies.
All data stays on your device. We don't require sign-ups, and we don't store your health information on any server. Your progress tracker saves data locally in your browser using localStorage, so only you can see it.
We're based in the UK and our tools are designed specifically for UK users — supporting stone & lbs by default, referencing NHS guidelines, using NICE-approved medication data, and linking to GPhC-registered pharmacies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about BMI, weight loss medications, and our free UK tools.
How long does it take to get weight loss injections on the NHS?
Waiting times vary significantly by region and ICB (Integrated Care Board). Some areas have waits of 3–6 months, while others may be longer. You'll first need a GP referral to your local Tier 3 specialist weight management service. Once referred, the service will contact you to arrange an appointment. Private access is typically faster, with prescriptions issued within days to weeks.
Do I need to be referred by my GP to access weight loss injections on the NHS?
Yes, you need a GP referral to access NHS Tier 3 specialist weight management services where prescription injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro are prescribed. Your GP will assess your eligibility and refer you to your local specialist service. However, private prescription routes do not require a GP referral — you can access these through online prescribing services independently.
What weight loss injections are available on the NHS?
The NHS prescribes GLP-1 and GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist medications, including semaglutide (Wegovy), tirzepatide (Mounjaro), and liraglutide (Saxenda). Availability and specific medications offered may vary by region. Wegovy and Mounjaro are once-weekly injections, while Saxenda is a daily injection. NICE has approved these medications for NHS use, but regional availability and waiting lists differ.
What is the BMI requirement for NHS weight loss injections?
You generally need a BMI of 30 kg/m² or above to qualify for NHS prescription weight loss medication. If your BMI is 27–29.9 kg/m², you may qualify if you have a weight-related health condition such as type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, high blood pressure, obstructive sleep apnoea, or cardiovascular disease. Adults of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage may have lower BMI thresholds (starting at 27.5 or 23 depending on ancestry).
Can I use weight loss injections for "weight management uk" if I don't have a health condition?
If your BMI is 30 or above, you may qualify for NHS weight loss injections regardless of other health conditions. If your BMI is below 30 but you have relevant weight-related health conditions, you may also be eligible. For specific guidance on your situation, discuss your options with your GP, who can assess your individual circumstances and refer you to specialist services if appropriate.
Ready to take control of your weight loss journey?
Start with a free BMI check, explore your GLP-1 options, or begin tracking your progress today. No sign-up. No cost. Just results.